For 25 years, the name Cindy Strong has been synonymous with elegance and taste.
Through her business, Magnolia James (named after the magnolia leaves her father, James Brewington, suggested be used in her own wedding as decorations and her son James Thomas Strong), Cindy has helped brides, grooms, and their families pick out makeup, dresses, and tuxedos for decades, all with a zeal that is undeniable.
Magnolia James started as the first Merle Norman in the Upper Cumberland (simply named, “Merle Norman”), a business Cindy worked at for decades before deciding to purchase from original owners Lucille Crouch and Joyce Koger in 2000. Originally in the old Cookeville Mall, Magnolia James changed locations multiple times before settling where it is now on Jefferson Avenue.
From the early days, Magnolia James has been a family affair. And, though no longer involved in the day-to-day operations, Cindy is quick to praise daughter Randi Strong Fincher’s impact on the growth and identity of Magnolia James.
“Randi is now chasing her own life goals, but she was instrumental in helping us build Magnolia James,” Cindy reflected. “Her touch is still felt here every single day.”
Beyond familial staff changes, a shift in focus (away prom dresses) took place for Magnolia James in 2020.
Cindy stated, “We are just so lucky to have survived COVID. During that difficult season, we shifted away from proms and put our focus squarely on makeup and weddings. Getting to serve our brides and grooms through the entire cycle of their wedding (from wedding gown and tux selection to day-of makeup) has become one of the most rewarding parts of owning this business.”
Cindy also works in business development for St. Thomas Ascension in addition to owning the wedding boutique. While acknowledging her talents in healthcare, her husband, Gary (who built much of the gorgeous showroom customers see when visiting), sees Magnolia James as an unmatched and irreplaceable guiding force in Cindy’s professional life.
“I can’t imagine her finding the joy she does here anywhere else. Seeing her be so fulfilled is rewarding to me. When she said that she wanted to buy this business, I was ready to go. I’ve always believed in Cindy and her abilities, and I knew she would make this a success.” He added, “Cindy’s attention to detail in all things is remarkable, and seeing her use that devotion to honor the smallest pieces of a bride’s vision makes me so proud.”
Magnolia James offers access to some of the finest wedding gown brands in the world including Essence of Australia, Maggie Soterro and Morilee, but it’s entirely possible that the shop’s most indelible mark on the community is actually made through the palpable warmth one feels within its walls.
Cindy and Gary are still deeply in love, after 42 years. Even to an oblivious 30-something male like myself, the staff at Magnolia James clearly feels comfortable, enabled, and appreciated in their work. And the energy Cindy brings to her business is genuinely undeniable.
I got to spend a short evening with Cindy, Gary, and their team. I left uplifted, inspired, and reminded once again how special our city really is. Before saying my goodbyes, I let Cindy share what she enjoys most about owning Magnolia James.
“I see so many wonderful women come to my shop unsure of not only their wedding dress, but themselves,” she said. “During the time spent here at Magnolia James, I get to watch their confidence bloom, and their dreams become reality. I can’t imagine my life any other way, and I’m so blessed to get to do what I love right here in Cookeville, TN.”
– written by Andrew Buckner, photos by Olivia Merritt
Visit the Magnolia James storefront in Cookeville or their website at https://www.magnoliajamesbridal.com.
